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墨書 Inktalez
Flower Viewing Banquet. Ritual Palace.
Consort Wang maintained her usual extravagant style at the Flower Viewing Banquet, where flowers bloomed in a riot of colors, and grand performances of song and dance were prepared. However, what was even more delightful were the beautiful women attending the banquet, each putting forth their utmost charm, all because the Emperor was coming. This also served to showcase Consort Wang's status; the Emperor's presence at her banquet signified her importance. Many concubines attending the feast harbored ulterior motives, hoping to catch the Emperor's eye and earn his favor.
Intricate butterfly agate hair ornaments adorned her head, with a delicate blue butterfly fluttering above. In the palace of red walls and yellow tiles, a dragonfly danced around Loneliness's jade hairpin. She wore gold-inlaid earrings shaped like flower baskets and gold bracelets set with red gemstones. Consort Wang donned a purple fishtail gown, its collar embellished with milky white pearls, a new design from this year's Jun Jin. Her makeup was vibrant and exquisite; every smile and frown she displayed radiated nobility.
With a charming voice and graceful figure, Consort Wang smiled as she walked toward the main seat and sat down beside it. The other concubines had already arrived; although their displays could not compare to hers, they had all spared no expense for this occasion. Every year, they seized such opportunities in hopes of receiving special attention from the Emperor. Consort Huan typically did not attend such gatherings, while Consort Li, though present, maintained her tranquil demeanor, dressed in an elegant blue gown and quietly seated one position below the main seat. Despite her son being the Crown Prince, she did not flaunt her status but instead kept a low profile to avoid drawing attention. When people spoke of the timid Consort Li, they often recalled her father, the current Chancellor, who served loyally under Sima Style. His daughter was gentle and courteous, kind-hearted and righteous, never participating in palace intrigues; many said she was deeply influenced by her father's character.
The concubines chattered and laughed, showering sweet words upon today's host in an attempt to draw closer to her and attract the Emperor's notice. Enveloped in the crowd, Consort Wang remained her usual proud and domineering self, delighting in the flattery from those around her.
At the announcement of "The Emperor has arrived," silence fell over the hall as everyone became respectful and composed, rising to kneel in reverence.
A man dressed in a golden-yellow robe with a jade pendant shaped like a dragon at his waist approached the main seat. His long black hair was elegantly tied up with a jade hairpin, his sword-like brows arched gracefully over his handsome face. He exuded an air of nobility that commanded deep respect from those around him.
Sima Rui reached his position, turned around, and calmly addressed everyone: "Consorts, please rise."
The concubines exchanged flirtatious glances towards him; however, Sima Rui appeared indifferent and did not linger on them for long. Instead, he noticed the quiet Consort Li and asked lightly, "How is Shaor's studies lately?"
Consort Li bowed respectfully and replied, " Shaor studies diligently every day and practices hard in martial arts; I will not disappoint Your Majesty."
A hint of an alluring smile graced his lips as he said, "Thank you for teaching Shaor, it must be hard work for you."
A subtle bitterness crossed Consort Li's expression as she replied softly, "It is my honor to serve."
"Your Majesty," Consort Wang, feeling neglected on the side, leaned closer with a playful tone: "I organized this banquet for you; how can you not even glance at me?"
"Oh? How so?" Sima Rui turned his head to look at her. His gaze appraised her. As Consort Wang noticed his scrutiny, she instinctively posed herself alluringly to enhance her charm. She showcased her perfect figure and carefully crafted appearance with just the right amount of pride. A smile danced in Sima Rui's eyes as Consort Wang shyly glanced away; she believed that all her preparations had finally captured his attention.
However, as he surveyed the vibrant flowers blooming all around and the bashful concubines who adored him—perhaps out of love for his status or power—he couldn't help but think about another face that stood out among them. He suddenly recalled that elegant visage and slender silhouette; she resembled a plum blossom standing proudly at any moment but more like a lotus emerging unsullied from muddy waters—pure and clear. If she were here today, she would undoubtedly wear simple clothing and sit in an inconspicuous corner without changing herself to please anyone. Even if she lived humbly or in darkness or went unnoticed by others.
A faint smile crept onto Sima Rui's face involuntarily; that was her indeed. How had he never noticed her before? Never recognized her beauty or her calm demeanor or her cool heart? He felt fortunate that he had seen that book—seen the real her.
She deeply attracted him, reminding him of someone he loved dearly.
Again, he thought they were very similar.
"Your Majesty—" a delicate voice interrupted Sima Rui's thoughts.
He came back to his senses and gently asked, "What is it, Consort?"
"Were you listening to what I was saying just now?" There was a hint of grievance in her tone. Consort Wang's rosy lips pouted slightly.
Sima Rui reached out and wrapped his arm around her slender waist. "What’s wrong? Are you feeling wronged?"
"How could I dare to?" she replied in a playful tone. "Your Majesty, please enjoy the flowers while watching the song and dance I prepared for you."
Sima Rui maintained his warm demeanor, tapping her nose gently and saying softly, "Today, Consort is the host; I will follow your arrangements."
Consort Wang smiled with delight and turned to command, "Bring forth the performers; prepare the song and dance."
The dancers were monotonous, their movements unchanged, just like the banquet itself. Although Sima Rui wore a smile on his lips, his heart had long grown impatient. However, since childhood, he had learned to remain composed in such situations.
As if sensing his impatience, Consort Wang dismissed the dancers, and many musicians flooded in. Throughout it all, Sima Rui maintained an air of elegance and nobility, neither refusing nor showing any joy.
He lazily sat there, listening to the unchanging melodies. Sima Rui felt somewhat dazed.
Until a familiar and pleasant tune began to play, he immediately snapped back to attention.
"What is this piece?" Sima Rui's voice was abrupt. The musicians who had been playing paused for a moment before one of them, with a calm expression and no sign of fear in his eyes, stepped forward and said, "Replying to Your Majesty, this piece is called 'Red Tears.'"
"Who composed it?"
"Your Majesty," the musician replied respectfully but firmly, "it was Servant."
"Is it you?" Sima Rui's tone was filled with disbelief.
The Musician remained unfazed. "Actually, it's not quite like that. The Servant happened to hear this piece in the palace and, after gathering and organizing it, everyone found it beautiful and moving. So today, I dared to perform it here. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Consort Wang also expressed her curiosity. "Your Majesty, all the sisters here enjoyed this song after hearing it; they found it novel and delightful."
"Who is it? Where did you hear this?" Sima Rui's tone grew urgent.
"Frostfall Palace," the Musician replied calmly.
"Frostfall Palace?" Not only was Sima Rui surprised, but the other concubines present were also taken aback.
"Yes," the Musician said without fear. "Please forgive the Servant for speaking out. In recent years, many strange occurrences have been reported from Frostfall Palace." He hesitated for a moment.
"You may speak," Sima Rui regained his composure.
"I don't know why, but this year, Frostfall Palace has often echoed with laughter and joy, with songs and dances frequently heard. It has suddenly transformed from a cold and secluded place into a paradise on earth. Although the Servants have not entered, they speculate endlessly about how beautiful it must be inside. The Servants often sneak nearby to eavesdrop on their music and then rearrange it; everyone in the palace loves it."
Sima Rui's eyes sparkled with interest. "Then, my Musician, can you sing that piece again for me?"
"Of course, Your Majesty."
The Musician stepped back, settled himself, and slowly began to play.
"A curtain of longing rests on an empty pillow,
Leaning by the window, tears glisten in the moonlight.
I ask from afar where the beauty’s sorrow lies,
Unable to express the countless heartaches within.
Wishing to invite the bright moon to convey my thoughts,
Tears fall across distant roads of love.
I know not where the heroes are now,
Only to see flowers scatter across the sky.
Recalling past tenderness,
True feelings and love accompany my heart.
The winds and clouds turn into lamentations,
Dreams severed at the horizon never return again.
Threads of love break as flowers scatter,
A lifetime of affection becomes a regret.
My heart is troubled by dreams severed,
A melody of fireworks dances before dispersing.
A curtain of longing rests on an empty pillow,
Leaning by the window, tears glisten in the moonlight.
I ask from afar where the beauty’s sorrow lies,
Unable to express the countless heartaches within.
Wishing to invite the bright moon to convey my thoughts,
Tears fall across distant roads of love,
Not knowing where the heroes are now,
Only to see flowers scatter across the sky.
A melody of fireworks dances before dispersing..."
The sound was as pleasant as the babbling brook in the mountains, as ethereal as the natural world on earth, and as haunting as the soft sighs of a beautiful woman shedding tears at night... Along with the faint, unspoken sorrows and watery sadness...
Before the song had ended, Sima Rui stood up urgently. "Let’s move to Frostfall Palace."
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